Author: Cameron Ewart-Smith

Meadowridge AFC promotes
football activity with the aim of providing our players an opportunity to
develop superior Life Skills through team play, sportsmanship, top competition
and hard work. Our mission is to provide our players with the opportunity to
play football at a competitive level commensurate with their individual
ability, potential and interest. An emphasis on fair play and respect for all
participants is a primary element of our Clubs mission. To better achieve that
mission, we provide a Code of Conduct for Players. This Code of Conduct is a
covenant between MAFC players to abide by the rules and regulations of the game
as well as to maintain a co-operative attitude and uphold the ideals of fair
play and sportsmanship. This Code expresses our core values and goals and it is
essential that they be honoured and followed.

1. Demonstrating a positive
attitude.

Players, parents and coaches
are expected to show a positive, respectful attitude for everyone involved in
the sport. Criticism and disrespect for officials, opponents, coaches or
supporters undermine the purpose of sport and encourage behaviour contrary to
the spirit of the game and the mission of MAFC

2. Setting a good example.

Each person associated with MAFC
is accountable for his / her behaviour at all times on and off the field of
play. Parents, coaches and other adults should remember that children learn by
example – it is up to adults to set good examples.

MAFC will not tolerate conduct
that is detrimental to the sport, the participants or the community. Such
conduct includes vulgarity by coaches, players or parents; harassment or
belittling of officials, coaches or players; verbal abuse, threats or physical
violence toward anyone before, during or after a match and the taunting of
opposing players, coaches and parents. We require thorough self-restraint by
all participants – both players and adults. Teams must exercise appropriate
control over those who fail to control themselves.

3. Maintaining good
relationships

Officials – The referee’s job
is a difficult one. All referees are human and they do make mistakes. Parents
or players who believe that their team has been treated unfairly or has been
assigned an unqualified referee should speak to their coach after the game. Coaches
should inform the appropriate Club officials about blatant officiating
problems. Managers should make reports to either the Junior Chairperson or Club
Chairman. In accordance with FIFA laws, verbal abuse towards a referee can
results in a red card and the ejection of a player, coach or parent. Referees
have the authority to suspend play if a coach does not control his players and
/ or parents / supporters.

Opponents – Players and coaches
are required to maintain a sense of fair play and to be respectful of opposing
players, coaches and supporters at all times. Sportsmanship begins with
respect. Without it the positive competitive environment, which should be a
perfect classroom for learning the values of football is completely undermined.
Occasionally we will encounter opponents who do not share our values and high
standards. If we allow ourselves to be drawn down to their level we will have
lost regardless of the final score.

Our Own Team – In an
environment where our children are competing not only against other teams but
also frequently against each other it can be difficult to control jealousies
and rivalries. A successful team resembles a family in that members put their
own needs second, behind the greater good of the team. Great care must be taken
not to undermine the coaches’ authority. As in most cases parental example is
all important.

Players’ Code

It is a privilege to play for MAFC
and as a MAFC player I will:

Play the game for the game’s sake and not just to please my parents or coach.

Be modest and generous when I win, gracious when I lose.

Respect the game of football and its laws, learn by those laws and try and follow them and play the game fairly.

Work for the good of my team and give my best effort at all times.

Show respect for the authority of the referee even though I will sometimes disagree with his/her calls.

Show good sportsmanship before, during and after games. I understand that football is a game and that players on the other team are my opposition and not my enemies.

Conduct myself with honour and dignity and treat other players as I would like to be treated.

Help my parents and supporters to understand the laws of the game so that they can watch and enjoy the game more. I will be sure that they understand that dissent is not permitted by MAFC players, coaches and supporters.

Control my temper and not retaliate even if I believe that I have been wronged.

I understand that negative posts on social media against MAFC, opponents, officials, CTTFA can result in my suspension and/or my membership revoked.

I understand that should I incur a fine for any fouls or transgressions during a match, MAFC is not liable for the fine, but myself as the player that incurred the fine and undertake to pay the fine in full myself. I acknowledge that the club will withhold my SAFA card until I have paid the fine/s and I will be ineligible to play matches.

Notice is hereby given that the 55th Annual General Meeting of this Association, in terms of clause 14 of the Constitution, will be held on Monday 18th November 2019 at Meadowridge Association Football Club clubhouse, Faraday Way Meadowridge at 19h00 sharp.

Agenda:

To read the notice convening the meeting.

To record apologies.

To confirm and adopt the minutes of the previous year’s AGM.

To receive, confirm and adopt the Chairman’s Annual Report.

To receive, confirm and adopt the Treasurer’s Report.

The election of the Club President.

The election of the Club Chairperson.

The election of senior and junior Office Bearers of the Association for the ensuing year in terms of clause 12 and 13 of the Constitution.

It was with deep sadness that we heard of the passing of Dale De Waal.

On behalf of the Executive Committee and all of our members at Meadowridge AFC, we wish to express our sincere condolences to Dale’s teammates, friends and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.

Dale joined us at Meadowridge in 2010 and was a real club man. Dale was friendly, always had a smile on his face and was always willing to lend a hand where it was ever needed.

Notice is hereby given that the 54th Annual General Meeting of this Association, in terms of clause 14 of the Constitution, will be held on Monday 5th November 2018 at Meadowridge Association Football Club clubhouse, Faraday Way Meadowridge at 19h00 sharp.

Agenda:

To read the notice convening the meeting.

To record apologies.

To confirm and adopt the minutes of the previous year’s AGM.

To receive, confirm and adopt the Chairman’s Annual Report.

To receive, confirm and adopt the Treasurer’s Report.

The election of the Club President.

The election of the Club Chairperson.

The election of senior and junior Office Bearers of the Association for the ensuing year in terms of clause 12 and 13 of the Constitution.

The consideration of the following recommendation by the Executive for Life Membership, as per Article 8 of the Constitution: Shane Cross.

It was with deep sadness that we heard of the passing away of Ian Lewis.

On behalf of the Executive Committee and all of our members at Meadowridge AFC we wish to express our sincere condolences to his wife Eileen and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.

Ian was an excellent goalkeeper and after playing for UCT in the 60’s & 70’s in the WPFA Challenge leagues, he came to play in the first team at Meadowridge. He subsequently played his football at a more social level, hanging up his boots well into his 60’s.

Affectionately known as Big Lou, and shortly after joining the club, Ian was elected as the Club Captain in 1974 and stood until 1976. In 1985 he was elected as Chairman of the club and stood down in 1988, to be duly elected as Club President. He held the presidency for a very impressive 23 years before retiring as n 2012. He was elected as a life member in 1990.

Ian was a brilliant coach and concentrated on the little ones (under 7’s and under 9‘s) who were just joining Meadowridge and for many playing football for the first time. Everyone will remember Ian’s Thursday night meetings with the kids all sitting in rows with all the parents behind them all listening intently to hear what was going to transpire that weekend.

Ian was a passionate footballer and coach and a great supporter of the club on and off the field. He was always a gentleman and was much loved and highly respected by everyone that knew and met him.

Notice is hereby given to all those Members entitled to vote at any Annual General Meeting or Special General Meeting as provided for in clause 21 of the Club’s Constitution, of a Special General Meeting to be held on Thursday 17th May 2018 at Meadowridge Association Football Club clubhouse, Faraday Way Meadowridge at 19h00 sharp. The Meeting is called for the purpose of voting on the resolution below in order to alter the Constitution of the Club to facilitate the Club registering as both a Non Profit and a Public Benefit Organisation.

RESOLUTION:

In accordance with the provisions of clause 21, it is proposed that the Constitution of the Club be amended as follows:

A. Clause 2

A new clause 2.1A is inserted, which shall read as follows:
“to administer, develop, co-ordinate or promote the sport of football in a club where the participants take part on a non-professional basis as a pastime;”

B. Clause 3 is amended to read as follows:

3.1 The Club is an association of its Members and it is not established for the purposes of generating a profit or for the promotion of any Member or office bearer’s economic self-interest.

3.2 The Club has an identity and existence distinct from its Members or office-bearers and may sue or be sued in any competent Court of Law in its own name.

3.3 The Club shall have a continued existence notwithstanding changes in the composition of its membership or office-bearers.

C. Clause 5 is amended to read as follows:

5.1 The liability of Members shall be limited to the amount of their unpaid annual subscriptions and any other amounts that they may owe the Club from time to time, whether referred to in this constitution or not.

5.2 The Executive or Members of the Club shall not become liable for any of the obligations and liabilities of the organisation solely by virtue of their being members or office-bearers of the Club.

5.3 The Executive shall not be personally liable for any loss suffered by any person as a result of an act or omission which occurs in good faith while any member of the Executive is performing functions for or on behalf of the Club.

D. Clause 19

A new clause 19.7 is inserted, which shall read as follows:
“The Club’s assets, income and property are not distributable to its Members or office-bearers, except as reasonable compensation for services rendered.”

E. Clause 22

Clause 22.2 is amended to read as follows:
22.2 If, upon winding up of the Club, and after the satisfaction of all its debts and liabilities, there remain any assets whatsoever, such assets shall be given or transferred to a non-profit company, society or association having objects similar to the Club nominated for this purpose by the Executive and approved by majority vote at the meeting described in 22.1 above.

No business other than that stated above will be introduced or discussed.

The long weekend saw Meadowridge AFC’s under 8 and under 10 sides in action at the annual Salt River Blackpool Seven-a-Side soccer tournament. With perfect sunny weather and the fields in excellent condition, it wasn’t long before the goals started raining in.

U8B playing a number of the u7 foxes (many of whom are actually u6) were off to a superb stat winning 3-0 in the opener. U8A started slower … but soon we’re racking up results including a 5-0 drubbing of the hosts.

Eventually both u8 sides had progressed to the last 16.

The u10 started briskly and it wasn’t long before they were showing they were the team to beat. By the end of the group stages, MAFC U10A were through to the Cup Section of the competition and things were looking prmising. There was, however, still a long way to go. First up, a challenging knockout game to progress through tho the quarters… But, nothing was stopping Meadows.

Things are looking good for Meadowridge AFC U10 A

With three Meadowridge teams through to the last stages of the competition, things were looking bright for the club. And early on a workers day Monday morning the players gathered gunning for glory. There was nothing workmanlike in their performances!

The U8 B’s and A’s were up first … but this was the bridge too far for our makeshift U8 B team. Although the youngsters had put up a valiant fight the campaign was at an end. Take nothing away from the team they learnt a huge amount and played out their skins over four tough days.

Meadowridge U8 and U7 team at Salt River Blackpool 7-a-side competition.

On the other side of the ground, our U8A’s were off to a better start and passed the quarters and semi-finals without much ado.

Later in the day, the U 10’s also breezed through their quarters and semi-finals to reach the final.

Both teams went on to splendid performances in their respective finals and were worthy winners of Meadowridge AFC’s first silverware for the season.

Positional discipline is key to winning games. If players wander all over the park on a whim your chances of devastating attacks or air-tight defence are practically nought. Positional Thinking will help…

Positional discipline is at the heart of any successful football side. The Positional Thinking drill helps players do their jobs right!

The Game

Neither attackers nor defenders may cross the halfway line. Attackers are also limited to their channels, whilst defenders can roam across the channels as required.

The game is played with no keeper and small goals.

Advanced options

All attackers have to touch the ball before a shot can be taken.

Both defenders to touch the ball before being moved forward to the attackers

There’s been a growing interest in girls soccer at Meadowridge AFC. To assess the needs of our community and the potential of introducing girls soccer at the club, we’d like to invite anyone who’s interested in girls soccer (or who knows anyone who’d be interested in playing) to register their interest here.

Search

Registration and Pre-Season Training 2019

Registration and Pre-Season Training will only begin in February 2019. Please register for our club newsletter if you’d like to remain informed or check back with our website in the new year for more information.